American Policy in Nicaragua

Report Outline
American Relations with Nicaragua

A legation guard of 100 American marines, stationed at Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, since 1912, was withdrawn by the United States August 3, 1925. Notice of the intention to withdraw this force had been given eight months before, but at the request of the Nicaraguan government the marines had been allowed to remain until the new Coalition administration, chosen in 1924 under a reformed electoral law, had been installed and was successfully functioning.

The departure of the marines was the signal for a resumption of political intrigues in Nicaragua, which resulted, within six months, in bringing the Conservatives into full control of the government. Juan Sacasa, the Liberal vice-president, was impeached and banished from the country; Carlos Solorzano, the president, was induced to resign, and in January 1926, General Emiliano Camorra, a leader of the Conservatives, was elevated to the presidency—by methods, which caused the United States to withhold recognition from his government during the ten months, he remained in office.

Upon the resignation of Camorra, the Nicaraguan Congress was summoned into extraordinary session and on November 11, 1926, Adolfo Diaz, another leader of the Conservative faction, was elected to the presidency. Six days later Diaz was recognized by the United States as the constitutional president of the Republic of Nicaragua.